Under the supportive coaching of Mr. Rob Irias, Ms. Alison Levis, and Mr. Jeremy Donovan, the DC girls soccer team ended a marvelous season with a 12-6-1 record, accumulating many dominant victories. Along the way, the Knights bested many teams in their conference, including The Christian Academy, Phil-Mont Christian Academy, and MaST Community Charter School. Equipped with eleven experienced seniors, including captains Julia Evans, Ella Irias, and Kate Latchford, the team well exceeded last year’s 8-8-2 record.

Two key components to the team’s success this year were its mindset and its unity. Throughout their season, Coach Irias stressed the theme of confidently persevering together and playing soccer as a team through triumphs and trials. This team took their theme to heart as the last six games in the regular seasons were wins in which they gave up no more than four goals during their losses. “I think this year our record was exceptional because of the overall skill we possessed as well as the chemistry we had,” commended Ella. “Not only was it a great year friendship-wise, but upperclassmen would reach out to lowerclassmen, and I’m thankful to say that we eleven seniors set a wonderful tone this season, which definitely contributed to that.”

One of Coach Irias’ favorite moments of the season was the team’s hike at Saw Mill Park after the last game of the regular season. “We were able to see how far we had come and draw confidence from our success,” contemplated Coach Irias. He added that the time to reflect and discuss the regular season set the team in the right mindset and emphasized a reliance on togetherness going into the postseason. Furthermore, the captains loved every moment with the team, from drills and practices to just hanging out with each other. Other highlights that the team enjoyed included their 11-0 win against Renaissance Academy Charter School during Homecoming, a 5-0 win against Phil-Mont Christian Academy on Senior Day, and a 3-0 win against Norristown Area High School.

“Every time we stepped on the field, we were given that opportunity by the God who cherishes us and wants to enjoy the ability to move our bodies and work as his creation in tandem,” reflected Julia. “I’ve learned to pull confidence simply from the ability I have been given to play and the opportunities I have to use that ability because they come from a merciful and loving God.”  

Looking toward next season, one goal that Coach Irias has for the team is “for sophomore and junior girls to step into leadership roles.” Because eleven seniors will be leaving the soccer team, next year’s roster will rely on new upperclassmen to set the team up for more success. As she speaks from her four years of soccer experience, Kate remarks, “My goal for the girls for next season is that they keep prioritizing connection and loyalty to each other and the team. I hope they can help each other grow by encouraging each other and pushing the team to be better and do better.”

On their quest to win PIAA districts, the DC girls suffered a tough 1-0 loss against Faith Christian Academy in the semifinal round. Nevertheless, the DC girls’ soccer team has risen to the test and has confidently persevered to finish the season with an impressive performance; but, most importantly, they formed lasting friendships and developed a deeper focus on the Lord as their strength and reason for their soccer talent.

After last year's optimistic 8-8-2 record, the girls soccer team is hopeful to exceed last year’s mark and march through the PIAA districts en route to a potential state playoff berth. This season, they are piloted by eleven seniors, three of whom are strong captains: Julia Evans, Ella Irias, and Kate Latchford. The players' experience on this year's team speaks well of their chances, especially under the guidance of fourth-year coach, Mr. Rob Irias.

Not only has the team grown in skill, but they have also developed a true love for the game. “We have grown in joy this year,” declares senior Julia Evans. “I’ve seen an increase in genuine excitement and enjoyment on the field and during practice. We are simply happy to be playing together and that is such a great thing.” This jubilation has been fostered by the Lord as the girls are working to forget about the scoreboard and reminding themselves that they are playing for the glory of God. 

A struggle that the team has faced in the past is that of mindset, which can hinder a team's collective strengths. As a result, the team is seeking to strengthen their mental endurance as well as their confidence. “One goal I have for our team is to try and fix our mindset because, with the quality we have, we can beat those harder teams,” states senior Ella Irias. 

Moreover, the camaraderie and mutual love expressed among the team members is a victory in itself, transcending grade-level barriers. “My favorite part of being on the soccer team is how connected I get with girls of every age,” comments senior Kate Latchford. “I love every girl on the team, and it is so special to be able to greet our freshmen in the hallways and get even closer with girls I’ve played with for several years.” 

Indeed, the DC girls soccer team possesses a promising outlook for this season. Already, they have posted a 4-3 record, having defeated New Hope-Solebury Academy, MAST Community Charter School, Calvary Christian Academy, and Lancaster County Christian School. As Ella states, “I am truly blessed to be a part of it and can’t wait to see what God will do with our team.”